Civil union bill passes committee

Nearly two decades after Colorado became known as the “hate state” for passing a ballot measure aimed at gays, a legislative committee approved a bill that allows same-sex couples to enter into civil unions.

Cheers and tears followed the historic vote Thursday by a Republican-controlled committee that last year defeated a nearly identical bill.

Rep. B.J. Nikkel, R-Loveland, joined with Democrats in passing Senate Bill 2. She had infuriated some conservatives by refusing to commit to vote against the measure, saying she wanted to first listen to the testimony.

“I think it was the right thing to do. We’re all Coloradans, right?” Nikkel said after voting yes.